5 Must-Have Skills to Look for When Hiring a Virtual Assistant

Building a talented remote team lets you scale your business amid rising demands. But finding the right virtual assistants can get overwhelming. Should you require college degrees? Do work experiences matter more?

The truth is qualifications on paper don’t automatically produce the best hires. You want candidates that demonstrate core capabilities to excel in a virtual role. As you evaluate applicants, prioritize these essential VA skills and attributes:

1. Expert Written and Verbal Communication

Clear communication makes or breaks the VA role. Their job revolves around corresponding smoothly with you, colleagues, and clients. Seek out candidates who:

• Write eloquently across emails, documents, messaging, and more
• Convey complex ideas and instructions clearly 
• Answer questions comprehensively and knowledgeably
• Use proper grammar, punctuation, spelling and style
• Communicate professionally in both formal and casual contexts
• Ask thoughtful questions to gain context and clarity
• Provide thorough updates on task progress

With strong written and verbal skills, your VA serves as an articulate representative of your business. Their messages consistently hit the right tone and align with branding guidelines. 

2. Technical Mastery and Quick Learning

Technology underpins most business functions today. Your ideal VA should: 

• Excel at learning new software, apps, platforms and systems quickly
• Grasp how to use tools strategically to enhance productivity 
• Troubleshoot IT issues independently before escalating 
• Be curious to explore new solutions and digital capabilities
• Help implement new technology and train others if needed
• Offer ideas to improve technological workflows 

Tech-savvy VAs add value by fully utilizing all the tools your business runs on day-to-day. Their digital literacy ensures seamless onboarding.

3. Meticulous Organization and Time Management

VAs juggle diverse workflow demands. Seek candidates adept at:

• Managing multiple tasks smoothly while meeting deadlines 
• Staying meticulously organized and on top of details
• Prioritizing urgent requests while delivering on core duties
• Structuring their workday efficiently to maximize productivity
• Tracking their own progress and proactively updating on status
• Adjusting workload based on your dynamic needs
• Finding gaps where they can take on more to provide relief        

Their organizational skills ensure work gets completed accurately and on time every day.

4. Analytical Thinking and Problem Solving

Your ideal VA should demonstrate: 

• Strong logic, analytical thinking and sound judgment
• The ability to actively listen and then ask clarifying questions
• Methodical approaches to dissect complex issues
• Resourcefulness to overcome obstacles creatively
• Composure to make smart decisions under pressure
• The drive to dig deeper rather than taking things at surface level
• Big picture thinking to understand how details tie into broader goals

Their analytical abilities empower them to consistently make smart, strategic decisions.

5. Dedication, Reliability and Proactive Ownership

Working remotely requires self-discipline. Look for candidates who:

• Show remarkable dedication to their role and your business objectives
• Express excitement to support your company specifically
• Have a track record of reliability working independently
• Take ownership over their responsibilities without micromanagement   
• Display initiative to go above-and-beyond expectations
• Offer innovative ideas to improve processes and results          

Their passion and sense of ownership helps them exceed expectations working autonomously.

While degrees and past experience are helpful, don’t let those factors overshadow assessing candidates holistically. At the end of the day, your chosen VA’s core strengths and fit with your team culture matters most. With rigorous vetting across must-have skills, you can build an exceptional remote team ready to scale your business to new heights.

Ready to experience the benefits of a skilled and dedicated virtual assistant? Don't let the demands of your business overwhelm you. Take the next step toward increased productivity and growth by partnering with us. Let us handle the search and selection process, so you can enjoy the benefits of a talented remote team.

Get started now and discover how our virtual assistants can make a real difference in your business success. Click this link to get started. Your dedicated virtual assistant is just a click away!